Morning dew clung to the training field as two figures stood opposite each other—one cloaked in dark, flickering shadows, the other radiating raw anti-magic power. Kael and Asta, both orphans turned warriors, now faced a new kind of challenge: understanding the forces inside them.
Kael's Demon Veil Cloak rippled with void-like mana, absorbing ambient energy. His Demon Grimoire floated beside him, black pages fluttering like wings. Across from him, Asta cracked his knuckles, his Demon-Slayer Sword resting on his shoulder.
"Let's go all out," Asta grinned. "Just don't cry when you lose."
Kael smirked. "Same to you, partner."
---
Clash of Shadows and Steel
The first strike echoed like thunder.
Asta launched forward, his sword carving a trench in the earth. Kael sidestepped with unnatural speed, his new cloak blurring his movements. With a thought, he summoned his custom glaive—Phoenix Fang—wreathed in a mixture of light and shadow.
Steel met anti-magic steel in a flurry of sparks. The two danced around each other, exchanging blows with precision and intent.
> [System Alert: Dual Training Detected]
[Passive Ability Activated: Adaptive Combat II – Increases reflex synchronization when training with another Anti-Magic user.]
Asta jumped back, panting. "Your moves got sharper."
Kael nodded. "Yours got wilder."
Then they clashed again.
---
Training With Purpose
For three days straight, Kael and Asta trained in secret behind the Black Bulls' base—sunrise to moonrise, sweat to blood. Every session pushed their limits, not just physically but emotionally.
Between battles, they spoke.
"Ever wonder why we got chosen?" Asta asked one night.
Kael glanced at the stars. "Sometimes I think it's not about being chosen… but being needed."
Asta tilted his head. "Needed by who?"
Kael remained silent for a moment. "The world. Fate. Maybe even something beyond."
He didn't say system, though it echoed in his mind.
---
Noelle's Interruption
On the fourth day, their sparring was interrupted by a stream of silver water smashing into the ground between them.
"ARE YOU TWO TRYING TO BLOW UP THE BASE!?" Noelle shouted, storming toward them.
Both boys flinched.
Kael lowered his glaive. "We picked the far field—"
"It's not far enough when you keep triggering mana flares I can feel from the dining hall!"
Asta scratched his head. "Hehe… oops."
Noelle crossed her arms, cheeks slightly pink. "Next time, at least tell someone. We thought you both ran off or got kidnapped!"
Kael gave her an apologetic smile. "We'll report next time. Promise."
Something in Noelle's eyes softened.
"Hmph. You better," she muttered, turning on her heel.
Asta elbowed Kael. "Dude… I think she was worried about you."
Kael shrugged but didn't argue. Deep down, it felt… good. Warming.
---
Demon Veil Mastery
By the fifth day, Kael finally began understanding his new cloak. The Demon Veil didn't just shield him—it absorbed raw mana and could nullify spells within a meter radius. A perfect counter to overwhelming casters.
He tested it by sparring against Vanessa's thread traps, Mimosa's defensive roots, and even Charmy's food storms. Each time, the cloak rippled, cancelled, and pulsed stronger.
> [System Update: Demon Veil Cloak Mastery – 65%]
[New Ability Unlocked: Veil Pulse – Emits a short-range anti-magic burst that can stagger enemies and disrupt casting.]
"Freaky cool," Charmy mumbled with a mouthful of food, watching Kael drop three animated golems with a single pulse.
---
Bonding Through Bruises
On the sixth evening, Asta and Kael collapsed beneath a tree, bruised and barely able to move. The sky was painted gold with sunset light.
Kael chuckled, wincing. "I think you cracked my shoulder."
"Your glaive singed my hair, man."
They burst into laughter.
A comfortable silence followed before Asta spoke again.
"You know… I never really had a brother. Yuno's like one, but he's also my rival."
Kael turned to him. "You want a brother?"
Asta blinked. "You offering?"
Kael smiled. "I already see you that way."
Asta's grin widened. "Then it's official. Brothers by blood, magic, and bruises."
They bumped fists, sealing it.
---
Checkpoint Reached
That night, as Kael lay in bed, the System chimed softly:
> [Checkpoint Synced – "Brotherhood Forged in Battle"]
[Stat Boost: +5 Strength, +3 Agility, +5 Anti-Magic Resistance]
[Title Gained: Shadowbrother – Increased synergy with Asta in combat, minor shared instinct detection.]
Kael closed his eyes with a small smile.
His path was growing heavier—but he wasn't walking it alone.